Reviews

Surely Not Together

This was pretty bad and the only redeeming quality it had was the acting, that's about it. I started watching it mostly because I like Park Seo Joon and he has done stuff I enjoyed but I think this might be the weakest kdrama of his I've seen (not in his acting but overall).

Maybe it's because I've watched my fair share of kdramas at this point or maybe because I've actually never been into it, but I'm getting at my limit of CEO's, rich and other chaebol people as main characters or romantic interests, it makes it very difficult for me to sympathise with their supposed struggles when they're crying while holding a Louis Vuitton bag in their hands, even more so when their sorrows are self inflicted, like in here.

I think their claims of this kdrama to be more realistic than others end with their separate personalities and the portrayal on the difficulties of getting divorced due to patriarchal systems. Yes, people like the main characters exist, but it's not like characters in other kdramas are unrealistic, there are plenty at the same level and way better too.
Their relationship? sure, it can be realistic, it can happen. Problem is when they're trying for me to root for them when clearly they're in a toxic dynamic that they should have already broken up for good a long time ago. ML should have moved on already when she just left him without explaining herself, her excuses are as weak as their relationship.

We're seeing here a woman that conveniently remembers the guy when she's in need of him, that is entitled and egotistical, and a guy that is a hopeless romantic and gets easily manipulated. Realistic? Sure! but not exactly a relationship I personally like to watch, less idiolise or think that it's nice and beautiful. If I was his friend I would be telling him to move on and go to therapy because he has clearly a bad case of dependency and unhealthy idealisation. If I was her friend, I would no longer be because I would have told her I'm not a fan of how she's using the guy and dropping him when convenient and making him do whatever she wants. All their breakups are pretty stupid and nonsensical, for people that technically wants to stay together that is. Realistic because she's not going to blow up her entire career for him? sure, realistic because he leaves his life and goes one year abroad to get space? not so much. All people around them also enable their relationship and no one seems to see the problems, not even their closest friends....okeeey.
In the constraints of ML character's portrayal is kinda realistic he didn't have any other partner because he was that obsessed with FL, but realistically in the real world? no. In real life if he had been that level obsessed to not get with anyone else probably he would have become a stalker or would have tried to end his life. Harsh, but let's be honest, his dependency of her passed as love is not exactly healthy. But anyway, this is kind of contradictory because it was not realistic in the drama that he would only obsess about her when she was around but seemingly he was capable and ok of letting her live her life when she was not around. Both of them use this IN-OUT in the relationship all the time, but it's not very realistic (especially on his side) with that level of dependency.
They have good times together, but they're very ready (when I say "they" here I mean mostly her though) to drop the other at the minimal inconvenience instead of talking to one another and deciding things together. Realistic? maybe in some doomed relationships, but either way not exactly a portrayal of a long lasting or meant-to-be relationship.
So overall, I think their portrayal of the relationship is ok on trying to show nuanced characters and a non healthy relationship, but again, the problem is when it's spoon fed to the audience as a healthy or fated relationship and trying for you to sympathise with their struggles (that they inflected on themselves), then I do have a problem with it. It's almost like they're trying to say that because they have been together and broken up so many times that that makes them fated lovers. I don't personally like it.

The plot is very thin and drags a lot. It's curious that I found the last episode of the series a lot more entertaining than any other in the series, mostly because it was more dynamic with seeing more of his work as a reporter, because let's be honest, the rest of the series he's pretty much just sat at this office table for a few scenes more than doing his job (and doesn't change the fact that most of the work he does is to help FL).
Meanwhile we get an FL that gets a position thanks to nepotism and we're told that she's good at it, even though she was not previously even interested. I guess the nepotism had to be excused in some manner.
Plot wise, FL's sister is more interesting, but even this plot was a bit dragged (paused at times for other subplots) and the resolution was not bad but not great, it felt a bit underwhelming because of how long it took to solve and how fast it was in the end.
FL's mother was presented as a conflict point at the beginning but then it was dropped and I guess the mother is amazing after all, a couple of words solved years of trauma of FL. Other than the plot with the sister, anything that came up plot wise on the side of the FL was kind of chaebol cliché and boring.

The last episode also has way more longing and feels than the rest of the series did for me, and it would have worked if the rest of the series had been different. One second you're feeling that longing, the rest you remember they're who they're and the history they have and you're like "I hope they actually don't find each other". But funny enough, them finding each other at that point would have actually have been better than what we got.
"Kids, your mother and I rekindled our relationship because our mutual best friend died and we met again at his funeral". Who thought this was a good idea? why did they kill that character anyway in the last episode? what was that??????? Bad writing!
Sorry to say at that point I started laughing at the sheer level of bad taste, it felt like a joke (this actually made me take half a point in my score of the series, you don't pull stupid moves like this 10 minutes to the end of the series). No, this specific move with the funeral doesn't make this more realistic. Them not meeting in Málaga? sure, although it wouldn't have been super unrealistic them finding each other there when she's actively looking for him, but it's ok.
Not like they could have made a million other reasons why ML would go back to Korea and meet her...
But I guess that since they couldn't just straight up start it and talk during the funeral (although technically she tried and it was not a cute move), they had to move the scene to the airport. Realistic? no, but cliché yes. Even ignoring the airport as a setting, realistic would be the guy saying "ok, yeah, let's talk when I come back maybe, as I said I came in a rush and I have things to wrap up back in Málaga. Plus I'm not going to waste the ticket I paid for, it was not cheap" (I mean, I imagine money doesn't matter in their case since she's loaded).
I guess this had the vibes of inverse Cinderella too in that sense.

Product placement is often and very on the face, I found it annoying.
Flashbacks with that blurry effect were terrible!!! It was...well... blurry, and very annoying to the eyes. They could have used a colour filter, a frame, grain , anything other than blurring the picture. I disliked every time there was a flashback because of this.

Overall I can't recommend, acting is good, there are a couple of cute moments if you forget the character's personalities and history but otherwise the writing/plot is boring, dragged, uninspired and their relationship is not healthy but presented as somehow fated.
I guess if you enjoy dramas like Lovestruck in the City you might like this too.

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A small story with a big heart

In “Hi” by My Luck, a 2025 Thai miniseries that opens GMMTV’s MuTeLuv anthology, the intention is clear and confidently executed: to tell a small story, but tell it well. Across just four episodes, the SeaKeen-led BL finds a rare balance between lightness, narrative precision, and emotional sensitivity. There is no rush and no excess. Every scene feels purposeful, and this kind of narrative economy, increasingly uncommon in the genre, places the series a few steps ahead of many longer titles that lose themselves in side plots and repetition.

The story is built around a simple yet effective conflict. Err is a brilliant, highly competitive student who has always seen himself as the class’s “racehorse”, until Mawin arrives. Quiet and unassuming, Mawin is the “dark horse” whose natural talent for mathematics threatens not only Err’s academic standing but also his self-confidence. The setting is an intensive math camp, where the ultimate prize is a scholarship and where the pressure to perform amplifies the insecurities typical of adolescence. The series wisely treats this environment not as spectacle, but as a space for growth and internal confrontation.

The most unusual element appears in the form of an online fortune teller, whom Err consults during a moment of uncertainty. The vague predictions, taken far too literally, add an almost absurd edge to the premise. Still, the script shows restraint by refusing to turn mysticism into the story’s backbone. Instead, fortune-telling works purely as a narrative trigger, opening the door to reflections on choice, expectation, and the fear of failure, without ever replacing genuine emotional development.

One of the show’s greatest strengths lies in its clear narrative perspective. Hi by My Luck is, above all, Err’s story. The series closely follows his insecurities, his anxiety in the face of constant competition, and his gradual emotional maturation. Mawin initially appears as an enigma, and the writing allows the audience to discover him at the same pace that Err learns to see him beyond an academic threat. This patient approach allows the romance to emerge naturally from shared experience, rather than feeling imposed by genre convention.

Anchored in this slow, careful build, the romantic arc becomes an honest portrait of first love. There are no clear villains and no artificially inflated conflicts. What drives the story are misunderstandings, self-doubt, and communication struggles, all familiar elements of youth. This choice gives the series an intimate, grounded tone, reinforcing its preference for emotional warmth over exaggerated drama.

Sea and Keen carry this journey with performances that, while still developing, show clear growth. Keen moves confidently between Err’s public self-assurance and his private vulnerability. Sea, meanwhile, finds in Mawin a role that plays to his strengths: his shyness, social awkwardness, and almost disarming intelligence never feel forced. There is something deeply human in the way Mawin observes, listens, and cares, making him a particularly gentle and empathetic romantic lead.

From a technical standpoint, the miniseries stands out for its visual care. Cinematography, lighting, and color grading give personality to otherwise ordinary settings, while the soundtrack knows when to guide emotion and when to step back, allowing silence to speak. The direction avoids unnecessary subplots, giving supporting characters presence and purpose without pulling focus from the core story.

Not everything is flawless: themes like academic pressure and teenage insecurity could have been explored more deeply with additional episodes, and the kissing scenes may feel too restrained for some viewers. Even so, these limitations feel tied to the format rather than structural weaknesses. Hi by My Luck knows exactly what it wants to be: a sweet, honest, and comforting portrait of late adolescence, brief in length but complete enough to leave not frustration, but a genuine wish to keep following Err and Mawin’s story beyond what is shown on screen.

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Yall just don’t get it like I do

I decided to watch it because I saw it on the Japanese Netflix ranking and watched it blindly without knowing the story but when I finished it, it instantly became my favorite dramas I have watched in a while. So, when I saw how it was rated in kisskh, I was really surprised. The writing was perfect and the cinematography was so beautiful. Now about the plot. At first, I thoguht this was just romance but oh boy I was wrong. All the interactions with everyone all just connected at the end and everything LITERALLY fit together like a puzzle piece. I also saw a bunch of people saying the characters were not relatable and I agree but also the actors and the writer did a phenomenal job in making me a watcher still root for the characters that I don’t relate at all. I felt like I was with them seeing everyone’s story blossom into something beautiful. I honestly recommend this drama to anyone who is looking for something heartwarming and need a little push in life to do something new.

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Wonderful enjoyment from start to finish

I'm always a fan of Kyung Ho, and once again, he was just fantastic. This part was made for him or maybe he made the part. I definitely saw some resemblance to his character from "Oh My Ghost Clients" ... but totally different as well.
The story itself has a perfect blend of drama and comedy .. with just the right touch of sorrow and sadness to balance it out. Besides our lead protagonist, the supporting cast is marvelous. Each one adding something to the story. I must admit, about halfway through, due to the story line, the pro bono team turns on Kang David. I thought it was a bit overdone how they threw him under the bus in such a quick manner. He kept having to prove himself over and over again. BUT, once you get past those events, the story is flawless, as is everyone's acting.
Going toward the ending, it has to be one of the best final episodes I've seen in some time. They managed to take care of all the villain in such a way, it's extremely satisfying to watch it play out.
It's not your typical court room drama by any means, so if you're going into this thinking that's what you're going to watch, you may be disappointed. This is a very unique story with a very unique cast of characters.
Absolutely high marks for a really enjoyable series!!! Way to go Kyung Ho!!!

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Shine on the Photovoltaic and Health-Tech Industries.

4 points for chronicling and marketing the breakthrough of photovoltaic (PV) tech and the advancement of neuroscience and health-tech industries in China.

1 point for the story of this drama.

Makes 5 points in total.

Why? The two industries are pursuing just purposes in their individual field of work. One is focused on environmental sustainability, while the other is on solving crucial health problems. But the story in which their work was incorporated had no real purpose beyond promoting the industries, and maybe some business management skills. The story lacked depth and substance, and the characters in it were average at best. Perhaps it is safe to say the purpose of the story was to help put the achievement of these industries out there for the world to see.

Tiny feedback for other industries doing great work and want to use the drama industry to market themselves in the future. Please try to ensure that the story you choose to embed your industry in has as much depth and substance as the work you engage in. The story should be just as meaningful and founded on a just purpose as well.

I debated within myself whether I should write this review a few episodes from the end of the drama or if I should not bother. But after learning that the drama was more of a promotional effort for the PV and health-tech industries in China and then watching how the last episode played out, I felt I should write this review.

While the drama was running, I asked myself why there was so much detail about the two industries but no depth and substance in the story. I thought, how could the writer do such excellent work researching both industries to provide so much information about them, but then had very little going for the story and the characters in it. I was like, if only the writer had put as much effort into the story as she did for the two industries, the drama would have been fantastic. But in the end, it was a letdown, even with the hook of the male and female lead's loving relationship and the happy ending. Anyways, with what I know now, it all makes sense. The promotional effort was impressive, and both industries made it out unscathed. But the story of this drama, though, did not. By the way, the product placement for the other brands was also good.

So, in the end, this really was a marketing drama for me. Because going forward, I will remember the information about China’s PV tech and neuroscience advancement, but not so much about the drama itself except that it was a letdown. In fact, I have already forgotten what happened in some episodes because they were so boring and the pacing was extremely slow that I had to speed up some scenes. Especially those overly long flashbacks and some conversations that involved unnecessary details, and too much time was spent on them.

So many things were off in this drama but the main ones for me were the lack of depth, substance, purpose, and the poor characterization of most of the characters who all had no real development. The industries promoted had more character development than the characters in the story. Also, some themes and messaging in the story were contradictory, while others were self-defeating. Like highlighting the subject of ‘principles over emotions’ and then completely ignoring moral principles.

I have always loved how many c-dramas from ancient to especially modern times have made their male leads embrace the Chinese traditional relationship approach of the man treating the woman he loves with utmost respect, as invaluable or irreplaceable to him, and doing everything in his power to protect her moral reputation. The family of the girl/woman does the same. The man will not hold her hands even when they are friends, as depicted in this modern drama. So why is it that, after the leads in the drama fall for each other, the man who supposedly has great integrity and is somewhat naive in relationships could no longer control himself. And rather than propose to the woman he loves and marry her first, he takes her into his house and sleeps with her before any commitment is made?

Next was the chemistry between the leads. They did have chemistry, but the excessive kissing and PDA scenes drowned it out and left no room for the actors to show it in a natural and compelling way. The kissing scenes did not enhance their chemistry but were a cheap ploy to pander to people's lustful desires, luring and reeling them in to continue watching a drama that had little going for it in terms of depth and substance. (Explains the high ratings). Then the kissing started to take longer and ridiculously extended that it became irritating and unbearable.

Actors can actually have great onscreen chemistry and intimacy without any kissing and excessive PDA. There are a couple of c-dramas I have watched in which the actors were given the chance to display their chemistry beautifully and compellingly, allowing the audience to feel and truly appreciate their talent.

Then what was with the character and casting of the second male lead? The only thing that was believable about the guy's character was that he came from a poor background and was brilliant. Other than this, there was nothing else. The actor probably has some good looks, but even after he had started working at the bank, he was still made to be ugly, his haircut was a mess, and his wardrobe was still appalling. His overall appearance was just shabby. C'mon. At least give the male lead a fair competition.

Saying the second male lead became an investment banker was a joke because he looked like the mail boy in the office. Even his male colleagues looked and dressed better than he did. The guy had genuine emotional issues and other struggles but the story did not explore this in-depth as it should. Rather, the qualities his character was made to project were pride, arrogance and entitlement. Anyway, he was allowed to look pretty good in the last episode so thanks for that at least.

All was not lost in this drama, though, as some characters were a delight to watch and memorable. These were Xi Guang’s cousin, his father (Xi Guang’s uncle), and Lin Yu Sen’s mum. I had hoped to see them in the last episode but they were a no-show. Not even at the wedding for crying out loud.

For the leads, Xi Guang’s character had some flesh but the actress who played the role did not have much to work with. On the other hand, Yu Sen’s character was too unreal and the actor’s delivery was rather weak. But I loved his performance in Youthful Glory.

About the last episode and the ending of the drama. The last episode was focused on the industries again and the two leads. Only a few scrapings for some of the other characters. As to the ending? I have said in one of my reviews of other c-dramas that it seems writers in the c-drama industry do not know how to write good endings. And it is not about the endings being happy or sad but about them being bad. There have been a few exceptions I have seen, though, even in the past year 2025. But sadly, Shine on Me was just another c-drama with a bad ending.

It was like people have complained so much about the sad, horrific endings of many c-dramas that this drama was designed to shove a “happy ending” down everyone’s throat so we all SHUT UP. It was such a cheesy, clichéd and boring happy ending. Nothing creative or interesting about it. Then I could not help but notice that there was no genuine bonding between the female lead and her daughter. She treated her daughter as though the little girl were another artificial intelligence (AI) like the one her husband interacted with at the brain center. Lol.

Oh, I almost forgot. Please, what was with the OST? You are still singing, “...could we ever be close, you and me…our love is going to find a way…” for the leads when they are now married, living together, and even have a lovely little girl? They are inseparable and their love has already found a way! Those English songs did not work at all.

In all, this drama bears semblance to the typical old American soap operas with their clichéd themes of old money vs new money, family-owned conglomerates, infidelity, inheritance battle, rich kids being center of attention, splurging, etc., like The Young and the Restless, Days of Our Lives, The Bold and the Beautiful, Dynasty, Dallas, etc.

Shine on Me had a lot of potential and opportunity to explore some strong, meaningful themes and messaging, but it did not take advantage of these. As a story, it lacked depth, substance, and purpose, with a weak plot and very loose subplots riddled with holes and no closure. What it had going for it were product placement, kissing and PDAs, overly lifting women, and fashion. Overall, it turned out to be another trite romantic tale, barely okay for passing the time during a holiday season.

By the way, I believe we should all be a light to one another in our relationships and in this world, rather than seek someone else's light to shine on us while we soak it all up. Seek to be a light in your own right instead.

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Classic enemies-to-lovers done the soft way ?

Head 2 Head is one of those series you don’t watch to be emotionally destroyed — you watch it to feel warm. From the very start, it leans fully into the classic enemies-to-lovers trope, and honestly? It works. The tension is playful rather than cruel, the banter is fun, and watching them slowly soften toward each other is incredibly satisfying. Yes, it’s a bit predictable — you can see most of the beats coming — but that’s part of the charm. It’s comfort-watch predictable, not boring predictable. Every step toward romance feels gentle and earned, like the show wants you to relax and enjoy the ride instead of stressing you out.
The whole vibe reminds me so much of Bad Buddy mixed with Vice Versa: that same light, refreshing energy where misunderstandings don’t drag forever and the focus stays on connection, growth, and soft moments. The chemistry isn’t loud or dramatic, but quiet and sweet — stolen glances, small smiles, and that gradual “oh no, I care about you” realization.
Overall, Head 2 Head is cute, cozy, and easy to love. It’s not trying to reinvent the genre — it’s just giving us a comforting, soft enemies-to-lovers story that feels like a warm hug. Perfect for when you want something light, romantic, and genuinely enjoyable ✨💖

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A blend of comedy and sincerity in tackling unusual cases and escaping an elaborately set trap

I’m going to start with one detail that should be understood but may not be by viewers going in. Ordinarily, pro bono representation simply exists to provide legal services for those who otherwise cannot afford it, plain and simple. There are public defenders for certain kinds of trials, mainly criminal, but if you are sued in a civil trial, most of the time whoever has money to hire legal professionals wins. I mention this because THIS SHOW’s ultra-elite law firm, rather than having younger lawyers across many teams handle a certain number of them every year like most firms, has a highly unusual ragtag set of four-then-five people with wildly different priorities do this as a marketing/public image stunt. Don’t get me wrong; MANY if not most law firms’ free cases are done to tick that social responsibility box in places that don’t require it outright. This one, though, doesn’t even pretend. The cases are not merely helping some people sued from becoming bankrupt. They are odd cases that may gain media traction. You do not often have a courtroom stacked with half a dozen plus lawyers (accounting for both sides) for, oh, a dog custody case even though that case was far more than the “breakup who takes the dog” sort of battle).

Where this shines? Easy, Jung. Kyung. Ho. He is, as Da Wit, the heart and soul of this. As a judge unafraid to deliver justice to both ordinary and extraordinary criminals and regular citizens in turn, in punishing a select few morally bankrupt businessmen severely, he got on many bad sides including within the legal field which he is already an outcast in as he skipped law school and went straight for credentials (almost unheard of which the drama makes clear). Not just a regional “mediocre” law school grad but no law school at all? Color him dispensable to most if not for his brain having some street smarts.

The cases are very much cherry picked for drama viewing, no different from other legal shows, vigilante stories, medical dramas, and so on. Whereas Diary of a Prosecutor is very slice of life and mellow and shows ordinary days for a less common profession with its characters mostly getting along, this has plenty of antagonism from within the team and from the outside, even the owner of the law firm eager to disband them. The lead’s name very intentionally adapts to David in English, and we’re told a few times of him battling Goliaths as an ordinary guy who grew up very poor.

Overall, the cast is quirky and fun to watch most of the time. Some are a bit oversimplified much of the show, particularly our screamer and rather dimwitted opportunist in the team. That I mostly blame on the short length and priorities placed on balancing cases for the team with Da Wit’s bigger case. The main lead’s story is rather complicated, and his relationship with his team members. He only plans to stay with a short time at all and barely has time to teach them techniques and strategies through a few cases before his own case comes to light, the motive behind one of the non-legal professionals setting a trap with quite a bit of help, a trap to get him off the bench and ideally punished as he becomes the defendant against a plaintiff whose father died in prison after receiving a seven year sentence which was at the time the maximum allowed but which to viewers shows another case of law too often serving the rich, victims dying and becoming disabled a frequent occurrence in manufacturing in some nations, especially small businesses in places without robust government oversight which is a costly investment to choose for politicians who want “visible” results.

Perhaps my favorite part of this show is that the characters are all imperfect, their trust fragile… maybe it is a little overly obvious at times, but they show the ease with which relatively strong but newly obtained trust and admiration can come tumbling down with a speck of doubt planted. It shows how the team members—who all have very different goals—see this doubt and ultimately handle feeling various degrees of betrayal. We see their changes in behaviors, their growth (sometimes through stumbling around and tripping over their own pride if not their feet, too), and their insecurities on full display. The issues they have at home or had as kids? They are still with them day to day impacting how they evaluate cases and the people in them. They’ve acquired quite a formidable toolkit from their team leader, and with sharper knives and focus alike, they are tasked with representing someone suing him.

The moral ambiguity of so many characters, his ex-girlfriend turned boss very much among them, the total greed of plenty, and the strategies these people with their own motivations employ is interesting and well-contrasted by the pro bono team lead by someone who is at times half opportunist, half servant of the people but mostly good. It made it unclear who was or was not on his side until the end—to what extent they were, more specifically. If nothing else, this is a quick way to see how wildly different people might handle some of the same content and even maybe see yourself in a few.

Is this drama perfect? Not at all. It sometimes circles around its main lead’s overarching storyline like a vulture without chomping down as effectively as it could. It is very hard to integrate that story into the day to day casework, yes, and they mostly did pretty well with it even if 75% of the credit goes to JKH, something I doubt any viewer who doesn’t have ties to the staff for the show will disagree with. Where they sometimes had a bit of disconnect was covered well enough to not pay it much mind until settling down to write this.

The show was lively, the dialogue SMART for a change (in the native language, subtitles obviously always lacking some of the charm of the original, especially for this streaming service), and as usual, he mastered this role and stopped, during those hours, being the actor and just became Kang Da Wit whether using his immense range of vocal styles with that iconic voice of his I can hear just thinking about this or that character in a scene, body language including some physical comedy he is top notch at delivering, or simply (especially in court) communicating with his ultra flexible face and its thirty two million ways of bending, twitching, and otherwise expressing the full range of thoughts and emotions without a word.

Not everyone will like this, naturally. Some hate workplace-centered dramas, legal not often a preference; others will be annoyed with the eccentric blend of characters. Some won’t be able to get past some of the set up feeling too elaborate to buy into (current overlapping title The Judge Returns is thus far more “subdued” [well, after the initial event that sets it off] and less comedic than this with only a slight bit of physical comedy… it is also darker feeling, though).

If you want pretty high energy characters with quirks abounding and some touching backstories brought to light if not in extreme depth (just enough to understand them), this fits that bill. It shows places where the law is clearly just not enough and is pretty brutally honest in depicting how greed can also make skilled lawyers tools for making the world genuinely worse just as a less greedy set of skilled lawyers can make the world so much better though there are far too few of those around to handle all the world’s injustice, especially for people with few financial resources.

It was a really fun diversion for 5 weeks for me! It paired nicely during my weekends with Taxi Driver, too, both ending this weekend. It feels far too short, though, a good thing in one sense—I couldn’t believe it went by so quickly! THAT sure hasn’t been typical of most dramas lately! 🤔

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So charming it bents the laws of optics and common sense.

Sometimes you don’t need logic, you need fluff and tension. You need the greatest dynamic of a cute unpopular boy and a possessive popular boy. The purest form of rom-com that is all about the characters and their relationship, but has none of the brain cells and care for reality. And the lead characters with good dynamics they delivered.

Hioki Asahi was adorable and I don’t get where the idea of not fitting in with hot guys comes from. The most popular group of friends in school usually also had that cute one to add sweet to the spice. Luckily it was not really the focus of the drama, but it did add to some internal conflicts. On the bright side I loved how they did not make Hioki feminine. That's the typical pattern we see in dramas - the hot one is masculine, and they make the cute one act like a little girl. Here Hioki was your typical teenage boy. Was he shy and adorable? Yes. But he was not “anime teenage girl who actually is styled like a middle school girl” shy and adorable. A good example were his interests - he wan't into baking, or floral arrangements, he was into sports. That I appreciate a lot.

Watarai Tsukasa was for sure far more cliche, but I ate it all with no care. This is how you write a jealous male lead - you actually make them jealous and create scenarios where they can get jealous. It’s that simple, and yet most dramas miss the mark. This man had a vision and a long term plan. Yes, the plan was not only fueled by his endless edging the confession and being a tease, but also a tiny bit of awkwardness and fear. His whole existence could be summed up as: how far can I go without spelling out my feelings?

For the romance - thank you. They knew exactly what they were doing. They utilized the unsure unpopular and the possessive popular dynamics to the max. Looks, subtle touches, less subtle touches, amazing hugs, not a dead fish kiss. We had a reasonable amount of hesitation and miscommunication/lack of communication that just matches the age of the characters, but is not exaggerated to the point of pure frustration. I think that’s the charm of the drama - it was well balanced. Just when the lack of communication could start being annoying, they talked. Just when I’m starting to get bothered how we only get one point of view, they drop the other. Just when the tension is about to plateau, they break it and kick it to a higher level.

The rest of the "F4" gang? Let’s just say I died a little bit with them complaining about their pretty privilege and how people just love them for no reason. What a 1st word problem they had. Literally zero depth, zero nuance. And that’s actually good. Just a bunch of pretty boys having fun and being pretty while not distracting me from the main romance. It worked.

What didn’t work was the early 2000s portrayal of girls. Not literally every girl in the drama existing either to be annoying so it validates the unjustifiable distaste the guys had for girls, or to be a source of jealousy. I don’t need any depth from them, keep them as shallow as Watarai’s sidekicks, but make them fun, nice, and act normal.

The production was actually surprisingly great. Some scenes were straight up beautiful. I always enjoy the shows that convey emotions, meanings, desires, hopes, hesitations by other means than just close ups to the leads' faces, and we've got some nice variety here. I also really liked the use of light and how it gave certain scenes a really soft and dream-like feeling that was enhanced by the perfect amount of slow motion highlighting the beauty, the tension, without slowing down the momentum.

Acting was good with a small * in terms of Fujimoto Kodai - loved it all, but that one crying scene when he truly used all his facial muscles to squeeze these tears. Unless the actor is actually able to have the waterfall come out of their eyes, you do not need the complete break down moment - you can have the same emotional impact with more subtle portrayal. That said, that was just one scene I was not convinced by the acting, all the rest I enjoyed a lot. Be it from the main cast or the supporting one - the intense stare that Kan Hideyoshi delivered, the playfulness of Fujimoto Kodai, dynamics that felt like real friendships.

Time for some complaining:
There are dramas that are unintentionally illogical in some aspects, and there are dramas that intentionally drop the logic out of the window, because they had an idea for a cute scene. School Trip wins first place for bending the logic to curate fluff and I’m not even mad about it.

Okay I am a bit mad, but I got easily distracted by how cute the leads were. But even the power of adorable Hioki and jealous Watarai could not stop me from ranting about the idiocy that was the presentation of being short-sighted. Excuse me, but you do not become borderline disabled when you take your glasses off. Hell, someone who would have their eyes covered would probably function better than Hioki. Or how he literally put glasses on when he still had in one eye lens on. Or how he basically acted as if he had glass in his eye, because one of the lenses fell off.

More illogical things that became hilarious: getting drunk on 1/10th of a sip of alcohol. Or how Hioki literally could not eat any meal without getting it all over his face. Or how we had 8 teenage boys and they thought one small pizza for them makes sense.

Overall, this drama proves that as long as you are charming and do what you set out to do well, you can get away with truly a solid amount of silly and borderline stupid ideas.

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Heartfelt Slice-of-Life Drama with Charming Characters and Supernatural Twists

Head 2 Head is an emotionally charged slice-of-life drama that blends supernatural elements with raw storytelling and deeply grounded characters. It balances its heavier themes with thoughtful character exploration and heartfelt moments, never losing its light and fun tone. As the series progresses, the stakes gradually rise and the story shifts toward darker themes, adding depth to the narrative while still preserving the sweetness of the romance.

Character Depth: The Heart of the Show
Jay and Jinn are the heart of the story, and they are such lovable characters that it is very easy to root for them and their relationship. Their evolution from bickering frenemies to a deeply caring couple feels earned and natural. I loved that from the very beginning, the attraction between them is palpable, even in their constant bickering. As their relationship develops, they never lose the teasing nature of their dynamic. It simply becomes more playful and affectionate, perfectly reflecting the progression of their feelings. It is one of the sweetest and most satisfying relationship progressions, and I felt so connected to both of them that the emotional gut punches in the second half of the show truly hit me.

The second couple, Van and Farm, while seemingly secondary at first, brings an unexpected depth to the story. Van’s self-sabotaging tendencies and emotional baggage create a complicated but compelling dynamic, and I appreciate that they were brave enough to give us such an easily misunderstood character like Van and took us on quite the emotional rollercoaster with these two.

The Emotional Core: Themes of Loss, Fate, and Fear
At its core, Head 2 Head is about the fear of losing those we love, and how that fear can either drive us to action or paralyze us with inaction. The series poignantly explores grief and love from two complementary angles, making the emotional stakes for both couples feel richer and more real. What makes this show stand out is how it takes its time with these emotional beats. The characters don’t just move from one conflict to another; they struggle, reflect, and grow. There’s a genuine sense of emotional progress, and you’ll find yourself rooting for them every step of the way.

The Acting: Solid across the board with Keen and Java delivering stand-out performances
I’ve been a fan of Sea and Keen’s work for a while now, so I’m slightly biased, but these two are incredibly charming together and have undeniable chemistry. Keen was a natural since his Only Boo performance, and he just keeps getting better with each project. I’m genuinely impressed by the way he expresses emotions, as it always feels like he is living through them rather than simply acting them out. He effortlessly switches between emotions in scenes and convincingly conveys underlying feelings through his eyes and microexpressions. Sea has also improved a lot, and it was refreshing to see him play such a vastly different character this time around. His teasing and joking were entertaining but also carried an underlying tension that only intensified as Jay’s feelings for Jinn grew stronger. I really loved seeing him play such an animated and open character, and I thought he did a great job balancing the playful and emotional moments.

Surf and Java showed great chemistry and tension while portraying the nuances and unspoken feelings of their complex relationship arc. Java played Van with just the right amount of vulnerability and charm, keeping the audience engaged even when Van frustrated you. I also enjoyed all the scenes with the parents and Mai. They were hilarious, added depth, and some heartfelt moments. The cast had amazing chemistry, and the comedic timing was excellent.

Visuals and Direction: A Mixed Bag
There is a lot to like about the visuals of Head 2 Head, such as the vibrant and warm color palette that captures the essence of its settings and characters. The cinematography creates atmospheric shots, and I enjoyed the music choices, both the instrumental tracks and the OSTs. That said, the editing can be quite jarring at times, with some scenes feeling too choppy, especially in the second half of the series. These transitions occasionally pull you out of emotional moments, which was a shame.

While this is not a plot-heavy show, and the supernatural elements primarily serve as a catalyst for character and relationship growth, I wish the vision plot had been incorporated more smoothly. At times it felt slightly repetitive or forgotten. With a few tweaks, such as resolving conflicts slightly earlier, some pacing issues could have been avoided. I understand the tension was intentional, but it occasionally left viewers in the dark for too long and slightly rushed the final conflict in the last episode.

Final Thoughts: They Have My Heart
Head 2 Head is a genuinely entertaining show that blends romance, supernatural elements, and deeply emotional storytelling. The series does an excellent job of exploring its characters and their relationships while balancing its more serious themes with a sweet college romance. It’s a show that takes its time, allowing its characters to grow and evolve in meaningful ways, and I’ve grown incredibly attached to them because of this.

The aspects I would criticize never took away from my personal enjoyment since the emotional core of the series keeps you engaged from start to finish. If you’re a fan of character-driven dramas that tackle heavier themes with sensitivity and empathy, Head 2 Head is a show you won’t want to miss. It’s a comfort show for me, one I’ll keep coming back to whenever I miss these characters.

Spoiler Review in the Comments
If you want to read some of my more in-depth thoughts on the show’s themes and the love between Jay and Jinn, you can find them in the comments of this review. I’ve put them under a spoiler tag because they literally spoil the entire plot. 🤣

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It's cliché but good. Loved it!

I can't believe the amount of hate this drama is getting for being cliché. I really wanna ask everyone to not go with the rating and give this drama a go. It has the 2010s vibes. Like the old OG kdramas with the bad boy who hurts the good girl and regrets it later.

We don't get such dramas nowadays so i loved it🤭 kinda took me back in time. Compared to BGMB i think they have improved a lot when it comes to pacing. Every episode made me wait for the next episode and I'm kinda wishing i watched it after it was completed😭.

I like all the toxic characters. The acting is good. Direction is good. Pacing is good. Story is cliché but good. Overall a 10/10 for me. It doesn't look cheap. People are just hating on it cz they're not popular actors and i guess they wanna feel superior by commenting trash about the series🙃. I've seen many dramas that are unbearable and boring but high rated cz they like the actors. Well watch it you wont regret it

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The series is okay overall. It was fun to see Ja with a new partner and to finally see Tae in a main role.

Both are good actors, but I’m not sure if they are the right pairing for each other (my personal opinion).

I also wonder if they will continue as a pairing or if this was only for this series.

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great but still lacking...

this drama has a great premise and strong start you just get drawn in and keep wanting to find the truth .

all actors did a solid job which made the whole drama great to watch, yet the plot was dragged in the middle and left alot of things weren't explained well or left to chance .

like Feng and feifei meeting for the first it didn't clarify it that much yet she called him bestie , like when did it happen , we got no solid background just some fast flashbacks, maybe the plot made them know each other just to make it more dramatic in the end .

wu guohao is a monster , the ultimate manipulator , the actor did a great job , couldn't keep myself from wanting to slap him , yet the ending was very unsatisfying after all the evil deeds he has done he got the easy way out, he deserved to suffer .

the thing that alot of people may hate about this drama is it slow storytelling and some nonsense at some points like how can you hide a very important confession letter in a old sneaker , I mean what he had thrown it away .

nonetheless this was truly great .

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